Illinois River Lock Closures
The Illinois Waterway, which provides a navigable connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, includes eight lock and dam sites that are long overdue for significant repairs. To facilitate repairs, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District developed a consolidated repair schedule, which included a short closure to locks in 2019 followed by two extended closures in 2020 and 2023. The closures were scheduled to take place simultaneously to lessen impact to commercial navigation as much as possible. Work was successfully completed in 2020 and the District is now preparing for closures in 2023.
All lock and dam facilities on the Illinois Waterway have a single lock chamber for passing vessels. During the scheduled closures, no vessels will be able to pass through the affected locks. Navigation on the rest of the river, between the locks, will not be impacted by the closures. Recreational and commercial vessels will be able to navigate within the pools without restriction.
Closure Schedule 2023
Brandon Road Lock and Dam – Upper Miter Gate Installation & Machinery Replacement
- Full closure scheduled approx. 120 days (June 1-Sept. 30, 2023)
Dresden Island Lock and Dam – Upper Miter Gate Installation, Valve Replacement, Machinery Replacement, and Electrical System Replacement
- Full closure scheduled approx. 120 days (June 1-Sept. 30, 2023)
Marseilles Lock and Dam – Electrical Crossover Work
- Full closure scheduled approx. 120 days (June 1-Sept. 30, 2023)
Additional Information
If there are unforeseen failures, maintenance needs, or construction requirements that occur between now and the scheduled closures in 2022/2023, the work will be coordinated to coincide with the scheduled closures as much as possible.
Questions concerning the scheduled lock closures may be directed to 309-794-5729 or CEMVR-CC@usace.army.mil.
